Steven Matthews (Wicklow, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I want to clarify a point with the Minister about the decision-making powers. We have to trust councillors who are elected by a democratic process. They have a role all the way through the planning system, from the development plans and Part 8s. What I am seeking to do is to introduce something similar to what is in section 103(3)(b). The word "substantially" is used there. If it is possible to define "substantially" in that section, which I think has been agreed, then we should be able to apply the same logic in the interests of proper planning and sustainable development. Often pressure can come on councillors to make a decision that may not be in the best interests of proper planning but it may be a very hot topic in the area. We have got to weigh up the balance and the pressure that councillors can be under by providing some sort of limit to substantially changing the proposals before them. There must be some limit to the modifications that can be agreed.